Miami-Dade County joins a Smart Cities Initiative

The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) together with Siemens, will introduce a Connected Bike initiative showcasing preemptive bike detection to cyclists using a smartphone app.

SiBike: Smartphone-based Bike Detection uses geolocation technology and knows where a rider is in real-time at any point during their ride. Through its mapping function, once a cyclist passes a trigger point, the app reports activation through GPS, which triggers the Traffic Light Controller, turning the light green. This initiative is part of a Smart Cities program, which is being implemented globally. It has proven to reduce wait times at red lights, enhance safety and ensure a more efficient ride. 

“I am happy that this project will be launched in Miami Beach – a city which is leading the way in safe and fun bicycle transit in Miami-Dade County.” said Commissioner Higgins. “As the Chair of the Transportation Committee, I look forward to working with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to create more ways to make our streets bicycle and pedestrian friendly.”

“Biking is a fun and healthy transportation option that allows people to extend their trips on transit, while helping reduce traffic congestion,” said DTPW Director Alice N. Bravo, P.E. “Using a bike is a sensible choice to fill in the first-and-last mile gap. I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Siemens and the launch of SiBike. This pilot program is another example how we are leveraging new technologies to improve mobility for Miami-Dade County.”

Siemens is proposing this SiBike project to be split in phases. The initial deployment will take place in Miami Beach at the intersection of 11^th Street and Euclid Avenue. This implementation is expected within a six-to-eight-week timeframe. The project will eventually roll out to 30 intersections throughout Miami-Dade County, by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022.